Creating own linux
 

Okay, I'm both experienced linux user and complete newbie. I just wanted to know if its possible to have a completely self built computer using only the kernel and a desktop environment, and compiling all the other programs I wish to use.

Try giving http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/ a look.

I don't mean LFS. What I mean is could use a computer with only the kernel and a desktop, no other programs until i compile them for it?

If you want to run your desktop then you will need lots of other packages and libraries. To run your Desktop as a standalone program you will need to compile the whole Desktop as a static binary (I think its practically impossible). I think you must try LFS first then you will have a complete idea of Operating system files, library etc.

cweigle

You can try Arch Linux, and see the following link too:
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/...y#User-centric

It is the other way round : A typical Desktop has up to 600
dependencies + all X . Check with any Linux.
Example : # yum remove gtk* xorg*
And you will be asked if you want to remove all the 600
packages, that depend on gtk, etc. etc.
..

Many package are needed for run a application. So for desktop as well but if you want a fast linux with only desktop a similar sort of small application and other packages installed on the need basic, you can go for puppy linux and other similar distro.

Thanks

Not sure what you mean but if you want simplicity and a minimal linux have a look at tinycorelinux
http://tinycorelinux.com/concepts.html


graham

I am pretty sure LFS was the correct answer. If you wish you could look at how one builds a Gentoo system.

http://www.gentoo.org/main/en/about.xml